The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has completed the transfer of 17 railway stations developed by it in Navi Mumbai to the Central Railway, bringing the stations under a unified administrative and operational framework.
As part of the process, Central Railway has taken over the administration and management of 14 suburban stations. The transfer process began in May and is intended to streamline responsibility for station operations, passenger safety and railway infrastructure.
The stations covered include Vashi, Sanpada, Juinagar, Nerul, Seawoods-Darave-Karave, CBD Belapur, Kharghar, Mansarovar, Khandeshwar, Airoli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Koparkhairne and Turbhe.
These stations are spread across three railway corridors: Mankhurd-Belapur, Thane-Turbhe-Nerul-Vashi and Belapur-Panvel. Following the handover, Central Railway will oversee statutory operations, commuter safety, track upkeep and signalling systems at the stations.
The transition follows a coordination meeting between CIDCO and Central Railway officials held on May 15 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. During the meeting, both agencies agreed to complete the transfer of all 17 stations within six months.
Three stations on the Nerul-Belapur-Seawood-Uran corridor — Targhar, Bamandongri and Kharkopar — were transferred to Central Railway on June 22.
The Railways is also scheduled to assume responsibility for commercial activities, including advertising, hoardings and pay-and-park facilities, from October 16.
Meanwhile, station land plans are expected to be finalised by September 30. Lease agreements covering the land between CIDCO and Central Railway are scheduled to be completed by October 31.
The stations were developed through a cost-sharing arrangement between the two agencies. Under the model, CIDCO contributed 67% of the capital expenditure, while Central Railway funded the remaining share.
The completed handover is expected to provide a clearer division of responsibilities for Navi Mumbai’s growing suburban railway network.
Source: Swarajya
